Defending champion Mineral Point tops D4 rankings

Picking the top team among WIAA Division 4 boys' basketball programs before the start of the season is a bit like playing the old "Pick A Lucky Duck" carnival game from your youth. Put the top 10 teams in water, rotate them in a circle and you get a different winner each time. There is definite balance and definite depth in Division 4, but defending state-champion Mineral Point gets the nod as the preseason No. 1-ranked squad by the Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook. You can order the 40th edition of the 360-page WBY <a href="https://wbby.sportngin.com/register/form/851170666">here</a> and have it shipped to your home by the end of October. The Pointers return three stellar performers from their 28-2 squad of a year ago in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1289076' first='Eli' last='Lindsey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2399607' first='Jaxson' last='Wendhausen'], along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='1874969' first='Drew' last='Aschliman'], the hero of last year's 65-64 state-title game victory over Kenosha St. Joseph. It was Aschliman's rebound basket with one second left that gave the Pointers their thrilling victory.   Following is a look at the WBY Division 4 Preseason Top 10. DIVISION 4 TOP 10 1. Mineral Point Head Coach: Dan Burreson, 30th year (445-235) 2023-24 Record: 28-2 2023-24 JV1 Record: 18-4 Starters Lost (4): Landon Thousand (6-2, 15.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg, now playing at Viterbo), Alex Ross (6-1, 9.4 ppg, 1.7 rpg), Brady Radtke (6-3, 4.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg), Bryce Vamstad (5-10, 4.6 ppg, 1.7 rpg). Starters Returning (1): [player_tooltip player_id='1289076' first='Eli' last='Lindsey'] (6-5, Sr., 11.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg). Other Returning Players (6): [player_tooltip player_id='2399607' first='Jaxson' last='Wendhausen'] (6-4, Sr., 9.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='1874969' first='Drew' last='Aschliman'] (6-3, Jr., 6.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Jake Phillips (6-4, Sr., 2.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg), Atley Potterton (6-6, Sr.), Tucker Dannenberg (6-2, Sr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2917117' first='Keaton' last='Dempsey'] (6-0, Jr.). Newcomers (8): Grady Finley (5-8, Jr.), Thorin Vamstad (5-8, Jr.), Brett Bossert (6-2, Jr.), Cole Ripp (6-3, Jr.), Keegan Wenger (6-3, Jr.), Brylen Lee (6-1, Jr.), Hudson Schroeder (6-2, Jr.), Carson Schroeder (6-2, Jr.). Comments from coach Burreson: "Rebounding and returning players are assets. Playing adjusting to new roles and replacing four starters are concerns. Mark Your Calendars: Dec. 2 Potosi Dec. 5 at Southwestern Dec. 27 Edgerton at WBY Shootout Dec. 28 Dominican at WBY Shootout Jan. 31 Darlington 2. Milwaukee Juneau Head Coach: Aaron Spiering, 11th year (92-130) 2023-24 Record: 18-5 2023-24 JV1 Record: 14-6 Starters Lost (1): Joseph Sims (6-2, 5.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg). Starters Returning (4): [player_tooltip player_id='2194315' first='Dooney' last='Johnson'] (6-5, Soph., 24.7 ppg, 9.6 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2610614' first='Takis' last='Tyler'] (5-10, Jr., 14.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg), Jaden Haridem (6-3, Jr., 9.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2610609' first='Raylen' last='Jones'] (5-11, Sr., 7.3 ppg). Other Returning Players (3): [player_tooltip player_id='2836416' first='Jasan' last='Dennis'] (5-10, Jr., 2.0 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2610612' first='Sean' last='Blain-Trotter'] (6-0, Sr., 3.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg), McKale Kyles (5-10, Sr.). Newcomers (4): Mariun Davis (6-2, Sr.), Johntavius Lucket (6-3, Sr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2530851' first='Corey' last='Collins'] (6-6, Frosh.), Nazir Allen (5-11, Sr.). Comments from coach Spiering: "We are effective on defense and expect to maintain a fast pace on both ends of the court. We have a deep enough bench to handle the speed at which we want to play. We have enough size to rebound effectively, even though we don't have a traditional center. We have good shooters and players who can get to the rim. Our young players need to establish leadership roles. The talent level is very high, but if we do not find ways to be successful as a team, we can struggle." Mark Your Calendars: Nov. 26 at Madison Memorial Dec. 6 Milwaukee King Dec. 26 Dominican at WBY Shootout Dec. 28 Marquette at WBY Shootout Jan. 9 Milwaukee Bradley Tech 3. Howards Grove Head Coach: Wade Georgeff, 9th year (149-54) 2023-24 Record: 19-6 2023-24 JV1 Record: 21-1 Starters Lost (3): Heath Roethel (6-1, 7.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Brody Grunewald (6-4, 9.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg), Trey Sixel (5-7, 1.7 ppg, 1.1 rpg). Starters Returning (2): [player_tooltip player_id='2403253' first='Trent' last='Grunewald'] (6-5, Sr., 19.1 ppg, 9.0 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2403263' first='Conor' last='Cruz'] (6-4, Sr., 11.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg). Other Returning Players (6): Mason Stoeckigt (6-2, Sr., 2.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg), Manny Lopez (5-9, Sr., 2.1 ppg), Carson Thiel (5-9, Sr.), Presley Lis (6-2, Sr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2891620' first='Keaton' last='Milbrath'] (6-0, Jr., 6.2 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2417144' first='Trace' last='Damrow'] (6-3, Soph., 2.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg). Newcomers (6): Max Loomis (5-7, Jr.), Logan Wiggins (6-4, Jr.), Geddy Barnstable (6-1, Soph.), [player_tooltip player_id='2920427' first='McCoy' last='Milbrath'] (6-0, Soph.), Reid Vandoske (5-5, Soph.), Harry Schroeder (5-11, Soph.). Comments from coach Georgeff: "Defense is always the strength of our program. Outside of that, scoring but more specifically, perimeter shooting is a strength going into the season. Mental toughness and the ability to overcome adversities will also be a huge factor in our success. Rebounding and being able to be physical down low are concerns." Mark Your Calendars: Dec. 3 Oostburg Jan. 10 Elkhart Lake Jan. 28 at Sheboygan Lutheran Jan. 31 at Reedsville Feb. 24 at Roncalli 4. Marshall Head Coach: TJ Zweifel, 1st year 2023-24 Record: 16-12 Starters Lost (1): Matthew Motl (5-10, 4.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg). Starters Returning (4): [player_tooltip player_id='1883464' first='Kenyon' last='Miggins'] (5-9, Sr., 18.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2621276' first='Teseo' last='Ruelas'] (5-10, Sr., 11.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2407473' first='Brady' last='Kleinheinz'] (6-3, Jr., 7.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2621267' first='Daniel' last='Nickel'] (6-2, Sr., 11.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg). Other Returning Players (5): [player_tooltip player_id='2423549' first='Jaylen' last='Miggins'] (6-0, Soph., 9.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Carson Connelly (6-1, Sr., 6.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg), Grant Peters (6-5, Sr., 2.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg), Max Timpel (5-11, Sr.), Jose Ayala Santacruz (5-10, Sr.). Newcomers (4): Jackson Reichelt (6-2, Jr.), Drew Chadwick (6-2, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2613994' first='Reid' last='Vacha'] (5-9, Frosh.), Logan Ney (6-0, Soph.). Comments from coach Zweifel: "Guard depth is a strength along with an attacking mindset and defensive intensity. Rebounding and defending the paint are question marks." Mark Your Calendars: Dec. 6 Lakeside Lutheran Dec. 19 at Lake Mills Jan. 21 at New Glarus Jan. 30 Cambridge Feb. 15 Mineral Point 5. Stratford Head Coach: Curt Schmidt, 26th year (412-172) 2023-24 Record: 20-6 2023-24 JV1 Record: 20-2 2023-24 JV2 Record: 5-12 Starters Lost (3): Brady Schmidt (6-2, 12 ppg, 3 rpg), Henry Zeleski (6-0, Sr., 11 ppg, 5 rpg), Payton Glenn (5-10, Sr., 4 ppg, 4 rpg). Starters Returning (2): [player_tooltip player_id='2493707' first='Drew' last='Bruesewitz'] (5-9, Sr., 10 ppg, 4 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2629815' first='Reid' last='Miller'] (5-9, Sr., 4 ppg, 2 rpg). Other Returning Players (4): Caleb Wrensch (5-7, Sr., 3 ppg, 3 rpg), Kaden Foster (6-0, Sr., 4 ppg, 2 rpg), Jett Schoenherr (5-10, Sr., 3 ppg, 2 rpg), Alec Chapel (6-0, Sr., 4 ppg, 4 rpg). Newcomers (3): [player_tooltip player_id='2918518' first='Brady' last='Berg'] (6-0, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2918512' first='Brooks' last='Vanderhoof'] (5-7, Jr.), Riley Spindler (5-9, Jr.). Comments from coach Schmidt: "We should be much more experienced than we were last year. Our JV lost two games. We will be competitive defensively. I feel our guard play should be strong." Mark Your Calendars: Dec. 2 at Neillsville Dec. 17 Marathon Jan. 17 at Auburndale Jan. 28 at Marathon Jan. 31 at Colby 6. Bonduel Head Coach: Duke Copp, 12th year (155-112) 2023-24 Record: 26-2 2023-24 JV1 Record: 21-1 2023-24 JV2 Record: 11-7 Starters Lost (2): Noah Weier (6-2, 12.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg), Colin Margelofsky (6-0, 6.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 6.1 apg). Starters Returning (3): Cade Johnson (5-9, Sr., 9.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2542523' first='Race' last='Anvelink'] (6-0, Sr., 14.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2391085' first='Ryan' last='Westrich'] (6-6, Jr., 15.6 ppg, 8.8 rpg). Other Returning Players (4): Sam Roberts (6-3, Sr., 2.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2387960' first='Quinn' last='Wesenberg'] (6-3, Soph., 6.5 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2386363' first='Carter' last='Moesch'] (6-2, Soph., 2.6 ppg), Mason Zuleger (6-2, Sr.). Newcomers (2): Cole Westphal (5-7, Sr.), Griffin Uelmen (5-10, Jr.). Comments from coach Copp: "Perimeter shooting, multiple scoring options, decent length and desire are strengths. Leadership, depth and expanded roles for younger players are question marks." Mark Your Calendars: Dec. 5 Iola-Scandinavia Dec. 21 Manitowoc Lutheran Dec. 26-28 at Sentry Classic at UW-Stevens Point Jan. 14 at Valders Feb. 13 at Wittenberg-Birnamwood 7. Aquinas Head Coach: Brad Reinhart, 9th year (111-90) 2023-24 Record: 23-6 2023-24 JV1 Record: 19-3 2023-24 JV2 Record: 18-2 Starters Lost (4): Jonathan Skemp (6-0, 5.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg, now running cross country at Navy), Walter Berns (6-4, 15.9 ppg, 6.7 rpg, now playing at Iowa Central), Shane Willenbring (6-5, 5.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg, now playing football at South Dakota State), Tanner Peterson (6-3, 7.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg, now playing baseball at Winona State). Starters Returning (1): [player_tooltip player_id='1890447' first='Logan' last='Becker'] (6-3, Jr., 15.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg). Other Returning Players (3): [player_tooltip player_id='2632136' first='Trey' last='Bahr'] (6-2, Sr., 7.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg), Vincent Bahr (6-3, Sr., 2.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2735307' first='Brayden' last='Young'] (6-1, Sr., 2.1 ppg). Newcomers (5): [player_tooltip player_id='2224510' first='Fin' last='Strom'] (6-2, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2140896' first='Calvin' last='Bahr'] (6-3, Soph.), [player_tooltip player_id='2399128' first='Talan' last='Reinhart'] (6-0, Jr.), Ryan Johnson (5-11, Jr.), Jacob Thornton (5-11, Sr.). Comments from coach Reinhart: "Team culture and chemistry are strengths. Depth and quality of guard player also are assets along with perimeter shooting and defensive intensity. Interior defense and rebounding are concerns." Mark Your Calendars: Dec. 5 at Regis Dec. 27 Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau Jan. 14 at Onalaska Jan. 17 Fall Creek at La Crosse Center in Midwest Players Classic Feb. 7 La Crosse Central 8. Regis Head Coach: Connor Miller, 3rd year (17-34) 2023-24 Record: 10-16 Starters Lost (1): Alex Ciulla (6-4, 5.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg). Starters Returning (4): [player_tooltip player_id='2375323' first='Blake' last='Risler'] (6-2, Jr., 20.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2417898' first='Owen' last='Weisenberger'] (6-0, Sr., 16.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg), Noah Tarras (5-11, Sr., 5.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg), George Wolterstorff (6-3, Jr., 3.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg). Other Returning Players (5): Andrew Berschback (6-1, Sr., 3.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2623256' first='Joey' last='Brahmer'] (6-2, Soph.), Harrison Haas (6-2, Sr.), David Ricciardi (6-4, Sr.), Ty Gehling (6-2, Jr.). Newcomers (3): Chase Brogelman (5-9, Soph.), Ben Balts (6-2, Soph.), [player_tooltip player_id='2615520' first='DJ' last='Cooper'] (5-8, Frosh.). Comments from coach Miller: "Strong guard play with the return of Risler and Weisenberger is a strength. I am excited to see the breakout year for [player_tooltip player_id='2623256' first='Joey' last='Brahmer']. Physicality and lack of size are concerns. Toughness on the defensive end is a concern along with rebounding." Mark Your Calendars: Dec. 5 Aquinas Dec. 10 McDonell Catholic Jan. 7 at Fall Creek Jan. 28 Cameron Feb. 24 Somerset 9. Luther Head Coach: Dan Unke, 2nd year (19-7) 2023-24 Record: 19-7 2023-24 JV1 Record: 13-9 2023-24 JV2 Record: 14-8 Starters Lost (3): Logan Bahr (6-7, 23.4 ppg, 10.8 rpg, now playing at UW-La Crosse), Sam Horman (6-3, 8.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg, now playing at UW-Stout), Adam Scriver (5-9, 5.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg). Starters Returning (2): [player_tooltip player_id='2432857' first='Synclair' last='Byus'] (6-3, Sr., 14.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2623674' first='Will' last='Huelskamp'] (6-5, Sr., 12.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg). Other Returning Players (7): [player_tooltip player_id='2736358' first='Jackson' last='Kendall'] (5-9, Sr., 2.2 ppg), Jack Schmeling (6-2, Sr., 2.1 ppg), [player_tooltip player_id='2926297' first='Max' last='Huelskamp'] (6-1, Jr., 2.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg), Caleb Kraus (6-5, Sr.), Gabe Shepard (6-1, Sr.), Landon Bryant (5-10, Sr.), Caden McCollough (6-3, Sr.). Newcomers (3): [player_tooltip player_id='2926287' first='Logan' last='Pierce'] (5-9, Soph.), [player_tooltip player_id='2926276' first='Brody' last='Greeno'] (6-2, Jr.), Luke Andrews (6-6, Jr.). Comments from coach Unke: "With a large group of seniors, we should have a good team atmosphere next year. We will be solid in a lot of different areas, but not necessarily outstanding at anything in particular. Replacing an extremely efficient 23 and 11 from Logan Bahr is going to be tough. Finding roles early will key to our level of success." Mark Your Calendars: Dec. 12 Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau Jan. 2 at Onalaska Jan. 10 at West Salem Feb. 10 at Aquinas Feb. 27 West Salem 10. Southern Door Head Coach: Josh VandenBush, 5th year (76-25) 2023-24 Record: 22-5 2023-24 JV1 Record: 11-11 2023-24 JV2 Record: 1-13 Starters Lost (2): Matthew Malvitz (6-6, 9.0 ppg, 10.5 rpg), Will Jandrin (6-1, 2.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg). Starters Returning (3): [player_tooltip player_id='1418511' first='Drew' last='Daoust'] (6-1, Sr., 32.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2386397' first='Caden' last='Pierre'] (5-10, Sr., 9.9 ppg, 1.9 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2634559' first='Tyler' last='Neinas'] (6-4, Sr., 6.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg). Other Returning Players (3): James Fish (5-11, Sr., 4.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg), [player_tooltip player_id='2387959' first='Lauden' last='Berg'] (6-2, Jr., 4.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg), Braylon Berg (5-11, Sr.). Newcomers (6): Talon Mueller (5-10, Jr.), Damontrae Meeks (5-11, Jr.), Nick Beck (5-10, Sr.), Landon Valertie (5-11, Jr.), [player_tooltip player_id='2915722' first='Ryker' last='Lohrey'] (6-0, Soph.), Eli Jadin (5-11, Jr.). Comments from coach VandenBush: "Experience, three-point shooting and consistent scoring are assets. Overall size and lacking a traditional post player are concerns." Mark Your Calendars: Dec. 16 Seymour Jan. 30 Brillion Feb. 10 Roncalli Feb. 21 Kewaunee Feb. 27 Oconto

Picking the top team among WIAA Division 4 boys' basketball programs before the start of the season is a bit like playing the old "Pick A Lucky Duck" carnival game from your youth.

Put the top 10 teams in water, rotate them in a circle and you get a different winner each time.

There is definite balance and definite depth in Division 4, but defending state-champion Mineral Point gets the nod as the preseason No. 1-ranked squad by the Wisconsin Basketball Yearbook. You can order the 40th edition of the 360-page WBY here and have it shipped to your home by the end of October.

The Pointers return three stellar performers from their 28-2 squad of a year ago in seniors Eli Lindsey Eli Lindsey 6'5" | SF Mineral Point | 2025 State WI and Jaxson Wendhausen Jaxson Wendhausen 6'4" | SG Mineral Point | 2025 State WI , along with junior Drew Aschliman Drew Aschliman 6'3" | SG Mineral Point | 2026 State WI , the hero of last year's 65-64 state-title game victory over Kenosha St. Joseph. It was Aschliman's rebound basket with one second left that gave the Pointers their thrilling victory.